Cheesy Twice Baked Spaghetti Squash Recipe for Dinner Magic

Spaghetti squash lovers rejoice as this twice baked spaghetti squash recipe promises a delightful twist on a classic vegetable dish.

The method adds layers of rich, cheesy goodness to the naturally light and stringy squash.

Roasting the squash creates a tender base that absorbs flavors beautifully.

Mixing in herbs, garlic, and a blend of melted cheeses turns this simple vegetable into a standout side or main course.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and savory notes that dance across your palate.

The golden, bubbly cheese topping provides a crisp contrast to the soft squash strands.

Dive into this recipe and experience a seriously delicious transformation of a humble vegetable that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Filling Ideas & Creative Add-Ins

• Squash Savvy Secrets: Delicious Twists and Tricks
• Cheese Swap Adventure: Replace Provolone with feta, goat cheese, or mozzarella for unique flavor profiles that will surprise your taste buds.
• Protein Power-Up: Fold in cooked shredded chicken, crispy bacon bits, or sautéed shrimp to transform this dish into a hearty main course that satisfies bigger appetites.
• Veggie Variety Boost: Experiment with different roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to add more texture and nutritional depth to the filling mixture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare squash boats ahead of time and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply reheat in the oven for a quick and delicious meal that saves precious cooking time.

How to Serve Squash with Flair

• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra Parmesan or crumbled feta on top for an intense cheesy flavor blast that elevates the entire dish.
• Fresh Mediterranean Finish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, basil leaves, or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil to add brightness and herbal notes that complement the rich ingredients.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken strips, crispy pancetta bits, or sautéed shrimp on the side for those wanting extra protein and a complete meal experience.
• Veggie Crunch Companion: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy, cheesy texture of the squash and provide a refreshing contrast.

Keeping Squash Fresh for Meal Prep

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover twice baked spaghetti squash in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavor and texture.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual portions tightly in aluminum foil, then place inside freezer-safe containers. Stays delectable for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Quick Reheat Technique: Warm in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Microwave works too – heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly.
• Meal Prep Brilliance: Prepare squash halves in advance, refrigerate filling separately. Assemble and bake just before serving to ensure maximum freshness and crisp, golden cheese topping.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Spaghetti Squash Ingredient Breakdown

• Spaghetti Squash: Provides a low-carb pasta alternative with delicate, noodle-like strands that absorb flavors beautifully.
• Baby Spinach: Adds vibrant green color, nutritional boost, and tender texture to the dish.
• Artichokes: Brings tangy, earthy flavor and meaty texture that complements the squash perfectly.

• Ricotta, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Provolone: Create a luxurious, creamy melting layer with complex cheesy depths and rich, comforting flavor profile.

• Garlic: Delivers intense, aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish's taste.
• Dried Oregano: Introduces classic Mediterranean herbaceous notes with subtle warmth.
• Fresh Basil: Offers bright, peppery freshness and beautiful green garnish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides optional spicy kick for heat lovers.
• Mayonnaise: Ensures creamy, smooth binding of ingredients.

• Olive Oil: Helps roast vegetables and adds smooth, fruity undertone.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor profile.

Cooking Tools for Twice-Baked Squash

• Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment paper for easy roasting and cleanup.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for cutting spaghetti squash cleanly and safely.
• Cutting Board: Provides stable surface for slicing squash.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining filling ingredients and strands.
• Fork: Helps scrape squash into spaghetti-like strands.
• Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot baking sheet.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures precise seasoning and ingredient amounts.

Instructions for Roasting & Baking Squash

• Squash Preparation

Warm your kitchen oven and create a cozy cooking space by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the spaghetti squash carefully in half, revealing its hidden seeds. Gently massage olive oil onto the squash’s surface, adding a sprinkle of seasoning.

• Roasting Magic

Nestle the squash halves face-down on the prepared baking sheet. Allow the oven’s warmth to transform the vegetable, softening its texture until tender and golden. This process typically takes about 35-40 minutes.

• Flavor Creation

Once cooled, use a fork to lovingly separate the squash into delicate strands. Craft a delightful filling by combining creamy cheeses, vibrant artichokes, and fresh spinach. Infuse the mixture with aromatic herbs and a touch of garlic for extra excitement.

• Final Transformation

Generously top the squash halves with the prepared mixture. Crown each half with a layer of melty Provolone cheese. Return to the oven for a final dance of heat, allowing the cheese to bubble and turn beautifully golden.

• Serving Delight

Remove from the oven and let the dish rest briefly. Serve immediately, showcasing the gorgeous layers of flavor and texture. Perfect for a cozy meal that brings comfort and nutrition to your table.

Ultimate Baked Spaghetti Squash Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty twice baked spaghetti squash delivers a comforting Italian-inspired meal with robust flavors. Roasted squash filled with savory ingredients offers a delightful alternative for those seeking a lighter pasta experience you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 spaghetti squash (about 3 lbs / 1.36 kg)
• 1 cup canned artichokes, drained and roughly chopped
• 1 cup fresh baby spinach, chopped
• 8 slices deli provolone cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup ricotta cheese (part skim or whole milk)
• ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps mayonnaise
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ¼ cup fresh basil, cut into ribbons (plus more for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes (for serving)
• Olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Fresh black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal roasting and easy cleanup.
2. Squash Preparation: Slice spaghetti squash lengthwise, carefully removing seeds and inner pulp with a spoon, then thoroughly coat with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
3. Initial Roasting: Position squash cut-side down on prepared baking sheet, allowing caramelization and flavor development during roasting, bake for 30-40 minutes until tender and easily pierced.
4. Strand Creation: After cooling slightly, use a fork to gently scrape squash interior, creating spaghetti-like strands and transferring to a mixing bowl.
5. Filling Composition: Combine chopped artichokes, spinach, mixed cheeses, mayonnaise, garlic, oregano, and basil in a separate bowl, seasoning with additional salt and pepper for enhanced flavor complexity.
6. Final Assembly: Evenly distribute prepared mixture over roasted squash halves, topping with Provolone cheese slices for a golden, crispy finish.
7. Finishing Bake: Return to oven and bake until cheese melts and becomes slightly bubbling, approximately 10-15 minutes, then allow to rest briefly before serving to let flavors meld together.

Notes

• Squash Selection: Choose medium-sized spaghetti squash with firm, unblemished skin for best texture and flavor.
• Caramelization Technique: Placing squash cut-side down helps develop deeper, richer roasting flavors and creates natural caramelization.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Use room temperature cheese for even melting and prevent potential burning during final baking stage.
• Cooling Importance: Let the dish rest after baking to allow ingredients to set and flavors to blend harmoniously.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg